As the fantasy football season barrels toward the playoffs, Week 12’s waiver wire is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal of the year, with four teams on bye (Broncos, Chargers, Dolphins, and Commanders).
With a wave of injuries hitting key starters in Week 11 that you have to monitor all the way up to Sunday morning, fantasy managers are scrambling to plug holes and secure depth for the stretch run. Whether you’re fighting for a playoff spot or looking to lock down a first-round bye, this week’s waiver wire offers intriguing options at running back, wide receiver, tight end, and quarterback that could make all the difference in your lineup.
With kickoff looming, it’s time to make those final roster tweaks. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, bye weeks, or just looking for upside, here are some last-minute waiver wire adds who could make a difference in Week 12.
Running Backs to Add for Week 12
Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@ Los Angeles Rams): ESPN- 37.9%
Honorable Mention: Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars (@ Arizona Cardinals): ESPN- 27.9%
Most fantasy managers likely scooped up Sean Tucker, as he does have a tough matchup against the Rams, but if you need a flex start, he could be an alternative for the Emanuel Wilson owners, as Josh Jacobs is still not ruled out for Sunday against the Vikings. Even if Bucky Irving comes back from his injuries in a week, Rachaad White is barely a factor, and it is clear Tucker is too explosive to keep off the field for the Buccaneers.
Although he is questionable, Bhayshul Tuten is a rookie handcuff who has been getting increased opportunities every week for the Jaguars. Although Travis Etienne is set to play against the Cardinals, Tuten is a top but widely available handcuff, and you don’t want to miss the breakout if it happens, like his fellow rookie running backs.
Wide Receivers to Add for Week 12
Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers (@ San Francisco 49ers): ESPN- 21.8%
Honorable Mention: Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns (@ Las Vegas Raiders): ESPN-11%
In primetime, the Panthers‘ offense has a good matchup to shine once against the 49ers (hopefully it’s not just against the Falcons). Bryce Young has cooked in the passing game, with Xavier Legette as a beneficial next to rookie Tetairoa McMillan. He could be a flex desperation start that booms.
The same can be said about Cedric Tillman, as he returned to the Browns offense after sitting on injured reserve but had a good showing in Week 11. He saw a few catches from Shedeur Sanders, as the rookie gets the nod to start against the Raiders, who do have a secondary that is favorable.
Tight Ends to Stream for Week 12
A.J. Barner, Seattle Seahawks (@ Tennessee Titans): ESPN- 16.1%
Honorable Mention: Noah Fant, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. New England Patriots): ESPN- 3.9%
For tight ends, it’s all about touchdowns and opportunities. For the Seahawks, A.J. Barner has been that guy, as he saw double-digit targets last week and has a chance to score once or even twice every given week due to their play-action offense and his usage in the goal line as a tush-pusher. He could have another good game against the Titans, along with the rest of the Seattle offense.
Joe Flacco gets one more start, and without Ja’Marr Chase due to suspension, the ball should go to Noah Fant, as Tee Higgins will get a harder matchup against Christian Gonzalez. The Patriots’ defense is helacious, but with limited weapons, Flacco should target Fant a bit more this week, who had a decent game in Week 11.
Quarterbacks to Stream for Week 12
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (@ San Francisco 49ers): ESPN- 13.6%
Honorable Mention: Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints (vs. Atlanta Falcons): ESPN- 5.6%
As explained before, Young is cooking recently and could torch this San Francisco defense that has had a ton of injuries. Although it could be the Rico Dowdle show, I think Dave Canales would want the passing game and approach through the air to continue with McMillan and Legette.
Tyler Shough has been doubling his fantasy production ever since he got the start three weeks ago, and coming off a bye, he gets a good matchup against the Falcons defense that gave up almost 500 total yards to the Panthers, despite it not being a good matchup on paper.
It is clear they are exploitable, and the rookie quarterback could do that as well with Juwan Johnson and Chris Olave, who have been steady fantasy options that have boomed at times throughout the season. The Saints quarterback could be a decent stash if you need a quarterback with a favorable schedule the rest of the season.
Defenses to Stream for Week 12
Chicago Bears (vs. Pittsburgh Steelers): ESPN- 19%
New Orleans Saints (vs. Atlanta Falcons): ESPN- 3.2%
Although Aaron Rodgers is not ruled out yet due to a wrist injury and despite their own injuries, I would still consider streaming the Bears defense, as Jaylen Warren will likely play but is banged up himself. If not for Rodgers, it would be Mason Rudolph against a defense that is getting Jaylon Johnson back and has been turnover-heavy as of late.
The Saints, off a bye, get a Falcons offense with Drake London or Michael Penix Jr., so it makes sense to attack them here with Kirk Cousins under center. New Orleans also has a good playoff schedule down the stretch for fantasy football and has been a pretty good median-level defense all season.
